Book review: "Die dekonstruierte Gesellschaft oder das Ende der Aufklärung"

"Die dekonstruierte Gesellschaft oder das Ende der Aufklärung"

Essay by Andreas Zivy in Schwabe Verlag (2025)

A book review by Daniel Schily

Andreas Zivy, political scientist, entrepreneur and committed democracy activist, published an essay in book form with Schwabe Verlag 2025 with the title: “Die dekonstruierte Gesellschaft oder das Ende der Aufklärung”. The focus of his analysis is the current crisis of liberal democracy. In contrast to the extensive specialist literature, in his short work Zivy describes the numerous symptoms and causes of the decline of democratic structures in a clear, understandable, holistic and exciting way. He uses facts and impressive examples to demonstrate how democratic societies are eroding around the world and how their tried-and-tested practices are increasingly being replaced by populist and even fascist currents. He particularly emphasizes that this deconstruction of society is accompanied by an increase in emotions, irrationalities, narcissism and illusionism. At the same time, the importance of reason, science and community spirit is decreasing.

The essay leaves open how this worrying decline in democracy can be concretely counteracted. Yascha Mounk's recommendations, briefly mentioned at the end of the book - combating economic inequality, regulating modern media and creating a new sense of community - are only touched on in passing. Zivy obviously assumes that the readership can independently form an image of what an enlightened and constructive “pre-deconstructed” society should look like in which democracy and liberality can flourish.

Despite the gloomy mood conveyed by the essay, which may seem like dystopian pessimism, it is important, especially in this day and age, to take the dangers and crisis of our democratic societies seriously. Zivy's entertaining writing raises awareness of these challenges and encourages reflection.

It was Thomas Jefferson who emphasized that enlightenment and education of the population are the best guarantee for the preservation of freedom. Andreas Zivy's book therefore deserves a large readership, because at the beginning of every therapy there is a clear diagnosis.

For a more in-depth discussion, the reviewer believes it would be desirable if Zivy would deal with the foundations of an enlightened society in a possible next essay. 

For the reviewer, this includes thinking, educated and committed citizens, the building of a resilient federal democratic order for Europe and beyond, as well as the development of a contemporary understanding of sovereignty - from the individual to the global citizen. In addition, a clear distinction should be made between democratic sovereignty systems (common sovereignty), economic freedom (freedom of contract within a democratic framework) and individual civil liberties. In addition to diagnosing the current crisis, a concrete plan for the revival and further development of liberal democracy could be designed and implemented.

Link to the book